What is khinkali? The Georgian dumpling with broth inside
Khinkali is a dough pouch filled with meat and hot broth, the signature dish of Georgia. What is inside, how many pleats it has, and how to eat it right.
Khinkali is a Georgian dough pouch filled with spiced meat and hot broth inside. Each one weighs 40 to 50 grams, holds at least 50% meat, and is closed by hand with 18 to 20 pleats that form a knot on top. It is one of the most iconic dishes of Georgia.
What is inside?
Traditionally minced meat (beef and pork, or lamb) with onion, garlic, cumin and coriander. As it cooks, the juices turn into an aromatic broth trapped inside the dough.
How do you eat khinkali?
- Eat with your hands, never with a fork.
- Hold it by the top knot (the knot is not eaten).
- Take a small first bite on the side to sip the broth without burning yourself.
- Then eat the rest and leave the knot on the plate.
Khinkali and pelmeni: the difference
Khinkali is Georgian, large (40-50 g), with broth inside and eaten by hand. Pelmeni is Russian, small, with no broth and eaten with a spoon and smetana. We have both, handmade and frozen the same day.